Consideration will be given to keeping Classics, award winners Local History Annuals & School Publications Titles on current reading lists Out of print titles that are still useful Biographical Sources Resources which might be of historical interest or comparison at a later time
Barbara Braxton Teacher Librarian
I do believe in the notion of maximising - that is, the more you have the harder it is to see and the less is borrowed. We weeded a large amount of fiction (particularly 80s 'big hair covers' books, stained copies and those in need of a snappy new edition) and soon noticed titles that had languished on the shelves for years were now being borrowed. Some fiction is ephemeral. Some fiction, though categorised as classic, is best accessed at a public library if your borrowers are not going to be interested. We now have some empty space, ready for new acquisitions, and a brighter looking collection (including new editions of books with attractive covers). The range of Vintage books with their range of terrific cover designs has allowed me to rediscover books I had previously overlooked or forgotten about. Advise your staff to look at the trends in other libraries, collection and program wise. Chances are many have not been to a public library in ages.
Good luck with it all. Kevin Whitney Kew High School
Currently in our Library Non Fiction Collection we have chosen to employ a less is more approach - less books on the shelf will lead to more borrowing.
This approach recently hit our Literature section of the Non-Fiction shelves and was met with some concern from teaching staff.
We believe in a dynamic Library collection which is current, relevant, format friendly and in good condition. School Libraries are not collecting facilities where books should be kept just in case (Renate Beilharz 2006)we are transformational (thanks Joyce Valenza SLAV 2011).
I would love to hear from School Libraries who are adopting this approach and the effects this has had on your Library. Equally I would love to hear from those who do not agree with this approach and believe classics no matter their age, format, condition etc should remain on the Library shelves.
In addition have you purchased recently any books you would recommend as a fantastic addition to your Libraries Literature collection that support the English curriculum in your school?
I will be happy to post a hit of responses and look forward to hearing and sharing others experiences.
Natalie Rose (Library Manager) Kerang Technical High School KERANG VIC 3579
Classics, award winners
Local History
Annuals & School Publications
Titles on current reading lists
Out of print titles that are still useful
Biographical Sources
Resources which might be of historical interest or comparison at a later time
Barbara Braxton
Teacher Librarian
I do believe in the notion of maximising - that is, the more you have the harder it is to see and the less is borrowed. We weeded a large amount of fiction (particularly 80s 'big hair covers' books, stained copies and those in need of a snappy new edition) and soon noticed titles that had languished on the shelves for years were now being borrowed. Some fiction is ephemeral. Some fiction, though categorised as classic, is best accessed at a public library if your borrowers are not going to be interested. We now have some empty space, ready for new acquisitions, and a brighter looking collection (including new editions of books with attractive covers). The range of Vintage books with their range of terrific cover designs has allowed me to rediscover books I had previously overlooked or forgotten about. Advise your staff to look at the trends in other libraries, collection and program wise. Chances are many have not been to a public library in ages.
Good luck with it all. Kevin Whitney Kew High School
From: oztl_net-bounces@listserv.csu.edu.au [mailto:oztl_net-bounces@listserv.csu.edu.au] On Behalf Of nr@kerangths.vic.edu.au Sent: Monday, 1 August 2011 8:52 PM To: OZTL-NET Listserv Subject: [OZTL_NET] Dynamic Library Collections
Currently in our Library Non Fiction Collection we have chosen to employ a less is more approach - less books on the shelf will lead to more borrowing.
This approach recently hit our Literature section of the Non-Fiction shelves and was met with some concern from teaching staff.
We believe in a dynamic Library collection which is current, relevant, format friendly and in good condition. School Libraries are not collecting facilities where books should be kept just in case (Renate Beilharz 2006)we are transformational (thanks Joyce Valenza SLAV 2011).
I would love to hear from School Libraries who are adopting this approach and the effects this has had on your Library. Equally I would love to hear from those who do not agree with this approach and believe classics no matter their age, format, condition etc should remain on the Library shelves.
In addition have you purchased recently any books you would recommend as a fantastic addition to your Libraries Literature collection that support the English curriculum in your school?
I will be happy to post a hit of responses and look forward to hearing and sharing others experiences.
Natalie Rose (Library Manager) Kerang Technical High School KERANG VIC 3579